CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by CA Board of Trades

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for hazardous materials removal workers in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.

  3. 3

    Only the current qualifier on a license may apply for the certification.

  4. 4

    Required Form: Application for Hazardous Substance Removal and Remedial Actions Certification.

  5. 5

    Application Fee: $125.

  6. 6

    Experience Requirement: None.

  7. 7

    Exam Requirement: Trade exam.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification (Class Code HAZ)

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $54,740 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: None.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Required Form: Application for Hazardous Substance Removal and Remedial Actions Certification.; Application Fee: $125.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $54,740, Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss in California earn 13% above the national median of $48,490. California ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$54,740

Hourly estimate

$26.32
13% above national median

Difference: +$6,250

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,360
  • P2525th percentile$45,340
  • P50Median$54,740
  • P7575th percentile$76,620
  • P9090th percentile$88,430

State vs National Median

State: $54,740
National: $48,490

Total employment: 7,950 | Annual openings: N/A

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers Salary Ranking

#11 of 50 statesfor Hazardous Materials Removal Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Tennessee$65,080
#2Minnesota$63,560
#3New York$62,610
#4Idaho$61,230
#5New Hampshire$60,540

Nearby States Comparison

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$54,740Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$48,700Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$47,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$47,360Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827

Phone: 8003212752

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$84,910Varies by state board1-17 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$63,370Varies by state board1-17 years
Carpenter$74,820Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$101,160Varies by state board1-6 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Hazardous Materials Removal Workers salary in California?

The median annual salary for Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss in California is $54,740. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $88,430 (90th percentile).

How does the Hazardous Materials Removal Workers salary in California compare to the national average?

Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss in California earn 13% above the national median of $48,490, with a state median of $54,740.

How many Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss work in California?

California employs approximately 7,950 Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Hazardous Materials Removal Workers license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Hazardous Materials Removal Workerss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Hazardous Materials Removal Workers license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.